Mercer County Food Bank announces first pantry in Hermitage
HERMITAGE, Pa. - The Hermitage community will now have broader access to food assistance in town.
Those struggling with food insecurity can now turn to an added resource provided by the Mercer County Food Bank, with a brand new pantry coming to Hermitage.
It's the continued goal of the Mercer County Food Bank to serve as many communities as they can. Starting in August, the Mercer County Food Bank and Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene will offer a variety of non-perishables, produce, and meat.
"When our executive director came on, she wanted to make a push to the underserved and rural areas within Mercer County," explained Alexis Spence-Locke, Development Director with the Mercer County Food Bank. "While Hermitage isn't considered rural, it is underserved because there is not a food pantry in Hermitage that we know of."
Mercer County Food Bank believed Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene was a prime location to offer the food bank and reached out to Pastor Brian Burke.
"We are in the middle of Hermitage," Pastor Brian Burke said. "We also have a great volunteer buy-in with the church. We are primed and ready for community outreach to help our neighbors. This partnership seems like a perfect fit."
Sign-ups began Wednesday for those in need of assistance from the first food pantry affiliated with the Mercer County Food Bank in the City of Hermitage.
“For three years, we have been operating our Mobile Pantry program in Hermitage to help fill the needs of area residents, and the partnership with Gentle Shepherd will help better meet the needs of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,” said Rebecca Page, Executive Director, Mercer County Food Bank.
Burke sees the need firsthand. "Our phone rings often," he told 21 News on Wednesday. "People will come up and knock on the door, sometimes in desperation, needing help. So, we feel it in our church, for sure. The needs of our community are great."
Spence-Locke told 21 News the demand only continues to rise. The county is serving 12,000 people every month compared to an average of 10,000 last year. In 2023, over $2.2 million meals were served. Those signing up for assistance told our crews off-camera that this food pantry would truly be their saving grace.
To check eligibility or any questions regarding the food pantry, contact Bailey Shepard, Mercer County Food Bank, Agency Relations and Programs Manager at 724-981-0353 ext. 105.
The food bank is also searching for volunteers and people who want to make a difference in the community. "Please volunteer, make a donation or inquire about becoming an agency," Spence-Locke concluded. "There are so many ways to help."
The first food distribution will be Thursday, August 15th from 4-6 pm. at 3480 Shenango Valley Fwy Hermitage, PA 16148.
Visit the Mercer County Food Bank to learn more.
